...And the conversation somehow drifted to 'Al Tishali Oti'. Declared one blogger, "If I was the sabra, I wouldn't post so cryptically'. "If I was the sabra", said another, "I wouldn't use so many Hebrew & Yiddish words." Another blogger chimed in, "If I owned 'Al Tishali Oti', I would be more consistent with colors n content." "I wouldn't be sarcastic to commenters", muttered another, darkly. One blogger added not. "I have nothing to say, for 'To know the sabra is to be the sabra'."

Thursday, April 10, 2014

In Eishes Chayil, which we sing on Friday night, there is a line which described thewoman as more precious than pearls.Why is a woman compared to a pearl?

A pearl is made when an unwanted grain of sand slips in between one of the two shells of the oyster. To protect itself from the irritation, the oyster produces a soft film to cover the invader. The oyster continues to cover the uninvited visitor with layers of nacre — the mineral substance that fashions the mollusk's shells. Layerupon layer of nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, coats the grain of sand untilthe iridescent gem is formed.

In every person's life there are things that irritate us. Often we tell ourselves that if only this or that were not in our lives things would be much better. Just as the oyster takes an irritant and covers it over and over until it turns into a beautiful pearl, so too women have the uncanny ability to take the negative and transform it into something positive.

We see this clearly in the upcoming story of Pesach. Despite the back breaking labor, the men endured under Pharaoh's harsh laws, the women understood the need to have more children and preserve the Jewish future. The women took mirrors they had fashioned, beautified themselves for their husbands and kept the Jewish people alive.

Every day brings challenges and frustrations. It is human nature to freeze and begin to doubt. As women we must show the world,, that our faith is -not shaky. And challenges will become opportunities. Try it today!

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

The brain, as vital as it is, is but one organ of the human body.
The heart shares a similar status.
Thus, it is perfectly acceptable and even preferable, that at times the brain and heart take second place to the arms, legs and ears.
Not always does "I think" and "I feel" need to show their face.
Sometimes, "I do" is what needs to take charge.
It's not a bad thing. Action is the main thing, we're taught.
And you know?Know what's so super cool and encouraging?Usually the doing then shleps along the thinking and feeling.
Like now.
:)

What is a sabra?
A sabra is a form of cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica, that grows extensively in Israel.
The fruit of the sabra has a thick peel with a sharp spine and is covered in prickly thorns. Once the rough and deterring exterior is peeled away, however, you will reach the contrasting sweet pulp.
Authentic Israelis are often referred to as "sabras" because they tend to be outwardly tough and coarse, but once you get to know them they really are a soft, sweet and sensitive people.